Abstract: A laminated ultrasonic waveguide and a method of fabrication thereof including stamping at least two pieces of sheet stock to form stamped parts of the laminated ultrasonic waveguide. The stamped parts are then laminated together to form a laminated ultrasonic waveguide for transferring ultrasonic acoustic energy along a longitudinal axis of the laminated ultrasonic waveguide. The laminated ultrasonic waveguide may be part of an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an active tip end-effector, which is placed in contact with tissue of a patient to couple ultrasonic energy transferred along the laminated ultrasonic waveguide to the tissue. The stamped pieces of sheet stock can also be stamped to form one or more channels extending along the length of the laminated ultrasonic waveguide. The laminated ultrasonic waveguide can also define a connector at a proximal end thereof to transfer ultrasonic energy into the laminated ultrasonic waveguide.

Abstract: A thin profile PAPR filter blower system and method of use that operates in conjunction with a thin profile filter cartridge. The design allows an unaided user to swap filter cartridges without compromising the safety of the user, even when the user is located in a contaminated environment. Other components of the system include a blower control mechanism, a short conduit for delivering filtered air to a worn face mask, a self-contained power supply, optional attachment features to secure the system to a wearer's body, features for sealably connecting and replacing filter cartridges, and a quick change locking mechanism to secure and release filter cartridges. An optional remotely located control device is also provided.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler, including a powder dispersion engine with one or more beads in a dispersion chamber, an airflow path leading into the dispersion chamber, an elongated tape with spaced apart blisters, each blister holding a dose of a dry powder, and blister opening mechanism that sequentially opens the blisters on the elongated tape and releases the dose of each blister into the airflow path.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of a patient. The sheet has a top surface and a bottom surface that is opposite from the top surface. An expandable member is carried by the sheet. The expandable member has an unexpanded orientation and an expanded orientation. The expandable member forms a raised portion when in the expanded orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to walking/running braces and to devices for enhancing locomotion, specifically human bipedal locomotion. More particularly, it relates to a controlled mechanical device which provides support of the torso via the hip sockets, reduces the metabolic energy associated with walking/running and reduces the incidence of falls caused by insufficient leg thrust. Embodiments of the invention also relates to reducing the strain and metabolic energy consumption associated with walking/running with a heavy backpack or other significant carried load.

Abstract: There is provided a propellant-operable self-activating and self-returning metering valve for an aerosol container for dispensing a formulation comprising a substance in a fluid propellant contained therein. There is also provided a canister for use in a metered dose inhaler having the valve thereon.

Abstract: There is provided an oral nasal cannula for sampling breath of a subject, including a main body portion, having formed therein a suction port which is adapted to be connected to a suction device for side sampling of exhaled breath of the subject, at least one nasal prong integrally formed with the main body portion and adapted to collect nasally exhaled breath of the subject and an oral scoop, integrally formed with the main body portion and adapted to collect orally exhaled breath of the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring are provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal. The appliance, when so placed is effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear. In one embodiment, a spring biases the interface device against the face during use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion having a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. An adjustment assembly on the headgear provides a gross adjustment of the position of the interface relative to the patient and a biasing force to urge the patient interface device against the patient's face. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for providing continuous passive motion of a limb comprising a brace for supporting said limb. A programmable motor, mechanically connected to the brace, provides continuous passive motion of a limb. The movement of the limb is controlled in two control points of movement at the lower arm. Flexible positioning means are provided with a fastening means positioning the brace and the programmable motor on the body of a person carrying said device in a stable position. The programmable motor is partially housed within the positioning means. The invention is particularly suitable for use in paramedical and orthopedic applications. It allows adduction and abduction, rotation and exo/endo rotation of a limb.

Abstract: A nebulizer device is provided for minimizing trepidation of children when using the device. The device includes a nebulizer and a housing having a shape of a toy for retaining the nebulizer therein. The housing includes an egress port connected to the nebulizer. A nebulizer delivery device is also provided and a tube is connected at a first end to the egress port and at a second end to the nebulizer delivery device for providing a liquid within the nebulizer through the egress port to the nebulizer delivery device for ingestion by a user. A carrying case having a shape corresponding to the housing is provided for storing the housing and nebulizer therein. The housing may be in the shape of one of a car, ambulance, airplane or fire engine. The carrying case may be in the shape of a garage, hospital, airplane hangar or fire house, respectively for storing the corresponding housing.

Abstract: An improved manifold assembly useful in patient ventilation/aspiration systems includes a stop cock valve with a hollow stem and a transverse port arranged to permit the stem to be rotated between open and closed positions. In both positions, a ventilating pathway is maintained through the stem between ventilator and patient connection ports of the manifold. In the open position the stem provides a travel pathway for a catheter between the patient connection port and an access port of the manifold. In the closed condition, the stem seals this travel pathway. The improvement provides an arrangement of structure operable to resist imparting shear damage to an inserted catheter, and to provide enhanced feedback to an attendant, as the stem is manually rotated into contact with the catheter.

Abstract: A portable oxygen supply unit for breathable air with an enhanced oxygen content has a tilt valve in a mounting cup on a pressurized container containing medical or aviators oxygen. A hollow housing is sealed to the mounting cup. The hollow housing is flowably connected to a mouthpiece and to an inlet for ambient air. A user can open the tilt valve with an actuator that is slidable in the hollow housing. When the valve is open, the pressurized oxygen flows into the hollow housing. As the user inhales through the mouthpiece the oxygen released from the container is diluted with ambient air drawn through the inlet for efficient use of the oxygen dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A cannula comprising a main body which defines an internal chamber therein. A first and second nasal prongs, respectively, communicate with the internal chamber to define first and second nasal prong passages. A mouthpiece has a gas passageway and a retainer passageway and a first end of the gas passageway communicates with the internal chamber while a second free end of the mouthpiece has a gas opening therein. A shape retaining member is received within the retainer passageway to facilitate retaining an adjusted position of an opening of the gas passageway with respect to a remainder of the cannula. A method of forming the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating breathable oxygen gas from a source of gas and then humidifying the oxygen gas while preventing over humidification of the oxygen gas, the apparatus comprising a gas pathway located on a first side of a water transfer member, an oxygen gas pathway located on a second side of the water transfer member and a separator for separating the breathable oxygen gas from a gas located on the first side of the water transfer member and directing the breathable oxygen gas past the second side of the water transfer member while maintaining the pressure of the gas substantially equal to the pressure of the breathable oxygen gas to thereby humidify the breathable oxygen gas while preventing a moisture condensation in the breathable oxygen gas.

Abstract: A method for operating a dry powder inhaler, the dry powder inhaler having a dose tape having spaced apart doses of a powder pharmaceutical, each dose being in a respective sealed blister. The inhaler includes a breath actuated blister opening system that sequentially opens a blister on the tape. The method involves routing the dose tape between first and second rotating elements; spring biasing the first rotating element to turn in a first direction; holding the first rotating element from rotating against the spring biasing; and releasing the first rotating element, and allowing it to rotate a fraction of one rotation, when air flows adjacent to the first rotating element.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler, including a housing having an airflow path leading from an inlet, past a powder release location, to a mouthpiece; a drive spool engaged with a capstan adjacent to the powder release location; a spring biasing a ratchet into engagement with the drive spool; and a breath trigger in the airflow path. The breath trigger is moveable from a first position, wherein the breath trigger holds the ratchet, to a second position, wherein the breath trigger releases the ratchet to allow the ratchet to turn the drive spool.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea includes identifying a patient as having sleep apnea susceptible to a first positive airway treatment which is at a first operating pressure level in excess of that which is otherwise tolerable to the patient. The patient is treated with an airway treatment selected to alter a portion of an airway tissue of the patient. The patient is then treated with a second positive airway pressure treatment at a second pressure level, which is below the pressure threshold.

Abstract: A portable wound treatment apparatus, for stimulating the healing of superficial wounds, comprises a housing containing a suction pump and a canister for containing fluids drawn from the wound. The housing is supported on a harness or belt worn by the patient. The canister is connected to a porous wound dressing at the wound site via a plurality of tubes, a multi-lumen tube or a combination thereof. A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated within the housing or externally thereto. The external battery pack may be shaped to balance the housing on the harness or belt. Pressure transducers are provided to monitor and report pressures at the wound site or internal to the canister. Monitored pressures may also be utilized to determine the filled state of the canister and, thereafter, either report this state to the operator or automatically discontinue suction from the wound, or both.

Abstract: An improved humidifier which may be used with a nasal cannula for high-flow respiratory gas therapy wherein a sterilized liquid is drawn from a sterilized liquid container by a high-flow driving gas passing adjacent to an aspirator tube orifice through which the sterilized liquid is drawn into contact with the driving gas for fracturing the liquid into a mist which is warmed and delivered to the patient or user, and the driving gas is also passed adjacent a condensate return orifice which draws any condensate formed in the humidified respiratory gas delivery system away from the cannula and back into the system for re-use.